FAFSA Guide for Parents

Completing the Verification Process For Parents

Before logging into StudentForms, you must authenticate your identity to ensure your information matches the FAFSA application. If you are required to provide parental information on the FAFSA, one parent must also authenticate and create an account with StudentForms. This parent will need to e-sign or provide an ink signature once all documentation is submitted.

Confirm your identity (authentication).
Both parent and student will need to create a secure username and password.
The information that you used on your FAFSA needs to be the same information that you use to create your account. If you use a different name or other personal information than what is in your FAFSA you will be shown error code 1010.
You need to create your account before your parent does.
Your parents password is also their E-sign (pin)
Don’t forget that once your parent signs the requested documents, you will need to go back in and complete all required steps.

Upon receipt of all required documents, we will begin the verification process. Students will be notified if there are any questions or if any additional documentation is required via email, text or notification within the portal. Once verification has been completed, the student will be notified and awarded.Please note that the verification process must be completed prior to receiving an award package from TSU. Failure to provide the requested documents could result in the delay or denial of financial aid.

The FAFSA Priority Deadline is May 1st

The Free Application for Federal Student is a common application used by colleges that award federal student aid. The application may also be required to apply for financial aid through the state, school or private agencies. The information collected on the application will be used to determine the type and amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive. Other factors will also be very important such as the date your application is received, amount of funding available and the number of applicants competing for the funds. Please allow sufficient time to complete the application. All applicants and their parents if they are dependent must establishFSA User ID and FSA password.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the priority deadline?

We will do our best to process your documents as quickly as possible but, depending on the date you submit your documents, it may not be possible for us to complete the review before the start of the term. It may be necessary for you to pay your fees for the term on your own and be reimbursed once you are awarded.

Why should I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

If you used the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) when filling out your FAFSA form, you may not have to verify that information. If you didn’t use the IRS DRT, or if you filed an amended tax return and used the IRS DRT, your school may require you to submit a tax transcript as part of the verification process. You can find your tax transcript through the IRS’s Get Transcript service at irs.gov/transcript.

Why does my student need my information?

If your child is considered dependent, she will need your financial information to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) A dependent student is a student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student. An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

What happens next after we submit the FAFSA?

After you submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are additional steps required before financial aid is disbursed to the student. Texas Southern University will verify your eligibility for the different financial aid programs. Follow the first 6 steps to ensure your file is complete and in line to be processed.

Check to see whether the FAFSA has been processed through FSA website or by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4FED-AID or 1-800-433-3243.
Review the output received from the office of Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education. You’ll get your response within 3 – 5 working days.
If you find any errors in the information on your FAFSA, make corrections to your FAFSA.
Review the output received from your FAFSA to see you if you have been selected for a process called verification.

How do I obtain a Federal Tax Return Transcript?

How much does it cost to attend?

The estimated cost of attendance is not your actual bill or invoice for the semester. The estimated cost of attendance is based on the average costs you may expect to incur as part of their educational experience. The information is derived to use when calculating your eligibility for financial assistance. Your actual costs incurred may be higher or lower as the information is based on the average cost for students with the same profile. This estimate is intended to provide estimated information and shall not be binding on the Texas Southern University. The information will be useful when you create your financial plan to pay for your costs for the year.

View detailed college costs

Financial Aid Resources

Forms Important Links Net Price Calculator Office of the Registrar Payment Student Accounting The Process Tigernomics TSU Policies & Resources Types of Aid Verification Withdrawal Info Work Study